Attachment_4_CFPB_Response_to_Questions.pdf

ATTACHMENT #4

CFPB Response to Questions Regarding RFP # CFP-14-R-00001

1. Reference, “Upon award, CFPB will provide access to its “Your Money, Your Goals” financial empowerment toolkit for the Contractor’s use.” Can CFPB provide the outline of the toolkit contents?

Yes, please see Attachment #5 for the table of contents of CFPB’s Your Money, Your

Goals for a better sense of the topics covered. The RFP has been amended to include this attachment and it is included in Adobe PDF form. Please note, this is not required and not meant to be the core training for financial coaches or to replace a financial coaching training. This is simply a supplemental tool/resource that the vendor may use for coaches, staff, or host sites. For example, the vendor may choose to engage local site staff in a training using Your Money, Your Goals so that they would have a better understanding of some of the financial concerns clients may have, so that they can properly refer clients to the financial coach for more in-depth services.

2. Reference, “Effectively communicate and market the project to internal and external stakeholders;” Does the Government require use of Government printing sources for reproduction of outreach materials?

No, the Government does not require use of Government printing sources in its proposed outreach approach. The Offeror and its partners (to include subcontractors) may choose to conduct outreach and communications services as part of its proposed approach to facilitate this project’s success and reach target numbers and the costs should be included in the Offeror’s Price Volume.

3. May information in tables, call out boxes and graphics be smaller than 12 font?

Yes, information in tables and graphics may be smaller than 12 point font, but must be legible to the average reader.

4. Are PPQ’s from subcontractors permitted and do they count toward the 5 company limit for PPQ’s?

Past Performance Questionnaire’s (PPQs) submitted by proposed subcontractors are not permitted. However, PPQs concerning relevant work performed by proposed subcontractors are permitted within the five (5) allowable PPQs per

Offeror.

Request for Proposal Number CFP-14-R-00001 Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

2 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

5. Should the title for the Component B price model be labeled, “Coaching for

Economically Vulnerable Consumers?”

Yes, Component B of Task 2 of the IDIQ Price Model should be labeled “Coaching for Economically Vulnerable Consumers”. The RFP has been amended to reflect this change.

6. Please advise where within the proposal an offeror should include the completed FAR

Clause 52.209-7 and other clauses that require completion and submission.

The Offeror’s documentation completing the requirements set forth in FAR 52.212-

3 Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items as well as FAR

52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters do not count toward the

Non-Price Volume page limitation. CFPB does not have a requirement for where this documentation should be placed in the Offeror’s proposal - they may be submitted as attachments.

7. Please advise if the cover letter and SF1149 will be counted in the page limits and where within the proposal the SF 1449 should be placed.

The cover letter and SF-1449 document do not count toward the Non-Price Volume page limitation. CFPB does not have a requirement for where the SF-1449 should be placed in the Offeror’s proposal.

8. Vet Center eligibility is limited to combat veterans and their families. Will VA market this program to include non-combat veteran eligibility?

The target of the project is transitioning veterans since 9-11. 9-11 Veterans receiving service at a Veteran Center will be eligible for coaching. However, eligible veterans with other needs will be referred to programs more suited to long-term financial counseling or other appropriate assistance.

9. As part of CFPB Small Disadvantaged Business subcontracting goal, will the

Government consider including all businesses that are deemed as a fully qualified, minority institution under section 1046 (3) of the higher education act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.

1067k) to be applied towards the overall small business goals?

No, CFPB may only consider the extent of proposed small business participation in the Small Business Subcontracting Plan in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 19 – Small Business Programs. See further detail in the Answer to Question #10.

10. Reference Page 26: Will the Government please provide CFPB’s small business goals?

The CFPB does not have small business goals and subgoals to be applied to this specific procurement requirement, however, Offerors should propose to maximize

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

3 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

the opportunity for small business participation. As stated in the RFP, the extent of an Offeror’s proposed small business participation “in consideration of the nature of the work required and the Offeror’s proposed approach to performing the work” will be evaluated for acceptability. See RFP Section II.

11. Reference Page 24: Under NON-PRICE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS, it states “font size for the text in your proposal must be 12 point font or larger.” Can we use a smaller font size for text within tables, illustrations, page headers and page footers?

Yes, information in tables, headers and footers and graphics may be smaller than 12 point font, but must be legible to the average reader.

12. Reference Page 24: Under NON-PRICE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS, it discusses what is included and excluded from page count. Are the cover page and table of contents excluded from page count?

The cover letter and table of contents do not count toward the Non-Price Volume page limitation. CFPB does not have a requirement for where the SF-1449 should be placed in the Offeror’s proposal.

13. Reference PWS Task Area 2, subtasks 5 through 7 and task area 3: These two sets of tasks appear to detail the same work. Could the government please detail or clarify the difference between the tasks?

There is not meant to be any redundancies in terms of reporting. Such items were included in each section because it is expected that tasks will be sequenced to some extent and CFPB wanted to ensure that Offerors understand that these tasks were expected throughout the life of the project. Reports under one task area are not intended to be more complex than the reports in others. In summary, throughout the life of the project, CFPB is requiring the vendor to provide monthly status reports, yearly summary reports, and a process evaluation.

Offerors are on notice that CFPB intends to engage in an impact evaluation likely 2

-3 years into the project implementation. An impact evaluation would be funded separately from this project.

14. Reference IDIQ Price Model Page 30: Will the government please confirm that the title for Component B is Financial Coaching for Economically Challenged Consumers? It currently reads, Coaching for Transitioning Veterans.

Yes, please see the answer to Question #5 above.

15. The solicitation states that this contract is subject to the Service Contract Act. Can the government please provide wage determinations?

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

4 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

This contract is not subject to the Service Contract Act. The RFP has been amended to reflect this change.

16. FAR clause 52.222-42 is checked. Can the government give us the equivalent rates for federal hires?

17. Is it the Government’s intent to have each proposed key personnel sign Attachment 1

Non-Disclosure Agreement?

Yes, all individuals identified as key personnel must sign Attachment 1: Non-

Disclosure Agreement.

18. Will the government require full disclosure and/or disqualify contractors with any business relationships with supplier communities to include financial or lending institutions, brokers, and for-profit colleges

Vendors are expected to comply with the clause at 19.0 Organizational Conflict of

Interest in Section III of the RFP, including all disclosure requirements. Selected coaching locations should not be "covered entities" of the CFPB as defined by

CFPB regulation, and coaches are not allowed to endorse any specific financial institution’s or company’s products or services.

19. Is the government's intent to have any required systems hosted at a government facility or at an offeror facility?

The government does not intend to have any required systems hosted at a government facility. Please note, any systems provided by the Offeror must comply with security/privacy requirements contained in the solicitation.

20. Are there any prohibited IT technologies that may not be used in the execution of the contract requirements?

All Offerors must comply with the requirements set forth in 9.0 Cybersecurity/IT

Security in Section III of the RFP. This clause includes all requirements associated with the Offerors’ Cybersecurity and IT Security.

21. What is the CFPB's average time to complete a C&A review?

CFPB does not have a set timeframe for completing a Certification and

Accreditation review, as the review is a collaborative effort between the contractor and CFPB. The process is driven by CFPB’s workload, the state of security of the contractor's system, and the contractor's cooperation/collaboration during the review. That being said, a rough average of the time for CFPB and one contractor

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

5 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

to complete a Certification and Accreditation review of a contractor's system is 3-6 months.

22. Does the Government have a projected number of task orders that will be issued under this IDIQ?

CFPB intends to issue three (3) Task Orders, but reserves the right to issue more if needed to accomplish the work set forth in the RFP.

23. What restrictions, if any, are placed on the Association for Financial Counseling and

Planning Education for purposes of participating on an industry response given they were named as a Government approved certifying authority?

Coaches must have a demonstrated level of content knowledge and expertise, including at least six months of experience with the respective target populations

(i.e. veterans and economically vulnerable), as well as demonstrated financial content knowledge and experience working with clients on financial issues. In terms of credentials, the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education

(AFCPE) Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) certification provides an example of a large, national pool of counselors that have be certified through a rigorous process that includes financial content tests, a practicum component, an ethics agreement, and continuing education credits. The AFC has been the required certification standard for the Department of Defense, and is a preferred form of financial coach accreditation for purposes of this work requirement. However, Offerors may propose alternative certifications of comparable rigor, practicum, depth and breadth.

24. Since the solicitation states that this contract is subject to the Service Contract Act, has a form e98 been submitted by the Government to the Department of Labor to request an

SCA wage determination?

25. P. 24 Non-Price Submission Instructions: May we use smaller than 12 pt font in tables and figures? Suggest a lower limit of 9 pt.

Yes, information in tables, headers and footers and graphics may be smaller than 12 point font, but must be legible to the average reader.

26. P. 7 Objective 2.0: It is noted that the CFPB estimates that approximately 21,000 veterans and 7,200 economically vulnerable consumers will be covered over three years.

Should we assume that these 3 years coincide with the Base Period of the contract including the upfront 6 months of Task Area 1? Does the CFPB have similar estimates for coverage in the option periods 1 and 2?

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

6 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

As this is a new service, CFPB provided rough estimates of the target number of consumers they would expect to serve, as a minimum, over three years. These three year estimates are based on the first three years of project implementation (i.e.

which assumes Option Period 1 is exercised); it does not perfectly coincide with the three-year Base Period. This is based on the estimated hours of financial coaching conducted in each of 90 service sites over three years. The CFPB may update its targeted numbers for the Base Period once the sites have been selected, the contractor’s specific technical approach and staffing plan has been considered, and there is data available about the client volume at each site. All of this information will inform the targeted numbers for the Option Periods.

27. P. 26 Factor 4 Small Business Subcontracting: Please provide clarification on the small business subcontracting goals that should be met in the small business subcontracting plan.

See the Answer to Question #10.

28. P.10 Task Area 1: Development of Program Infrastructure: 1.c: The RFP states that

CFPB will identify the 70 Veteran sites. If those are already identified can they be provided? If they are not identified at present, what role will the vendor have in the selection of the sites e.g. analytics?

CFPB and its partners have not yet identified the 70 sites for transitioning veterans.

Locations for service delivery to economically vulnerable consumers will be proposed for selection by the contractor, subject to CFPB approval. Services to economically vulnerable consumers happen through a more diverse body of organizations and are not consistent from state to state. Therefore, to reach the largest critical mass of economically vulnerable individuals the contract to be awarded needs to have built-in flexibility in terms of service sites. CFPB has defined in its RFP at a high-level the criteria against which bidders should use to propose a list of potential subcontractor or partner organizations that are geographically and demographically diverse. Note that at least one service site will be in each of the states.

29. P.11 Task Area 1: Development of Program Infrastructure 4. a: Given there are many variables in determining the costs associated with basic infrastructure and supplies (eg.

Internet access, printed materials), would the Government consider providing all vendors a standard funding to include in pricing amount for these miscellaneous costs.

All Other Direct Costs, except for travel costs associated only with work under Task

Areas 1 and 3, shall be reflected in the Offeror's proposed pricing/rates. All ODCs

(including any required travel) related to performance of work under Task Area 2 must be built into the Offeror’s proposed fixed unit prices in the IDIQ Price Model, while all ODCs (excluding any required travel) related to performance of work under Task Areas 1 and 3 are to be built into the Offeror’s proposed fully-loaded labor rates in the IDIQ Price Model. Note that actual travel-related ODCs in

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

7 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

support of work that ordered under Task Areas 1 and 3 will be reimbursed on a task order basis in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation; for evaluation purposes only, Offerors are to complete the Price Model using the Government-estimated ODC amounts for Task Areas 1 & 3, which reflect estimated travel costs.

See revised Proposal Submission Instructions.

30. P. 29 IDIQ Price Model: Given the extensive requirements stated in Task Area 1, we believe that the Government’s estimated hours of 2,331 appear to be low. Please clarify what is to be included in the 2,331 hours.

The Government-estimated number of hours included in Task Areas 1 and 3 of the

IDIQ Price Model have been included for evaluation purposes only. It will create a consistent assumption on which Offerors may develop proposals and will inform the

Government's price evaluation. The Offeror shall reflect in its price proposal how they plan to allocate the 2,331 hours among the Offeror’s proposed labor categories based on the assumption that 2,331 total hours will be expended.

31. P.10 Task 2: Does the CFPB have any preferences for a phased ramp up of the coaches at the veterans and economically vulnerable sites? Is there an expected timeframe for initial deployment and full deployment across all 90 sites?

The CFPB anticipates roughly six months for planning, C&A, and ramp-up, prior to deploying contract personnel across the 90 service sites. Full deployment of contract personnel should be achieved as quickly as practicable in the implementation phase to achieve project targets.

32. P.22 Factor 2 Evaluation Criteria: Does CFPB prefer that contractors align their

Technical Approach to the entire SOW, or according to the specific instructions and evaluation criteria bullets listed on page 22?

The Offeror should align their Technical Approach to the work set forth in the Task

Areas and deliverables identified in the SOW, including at minimum, the bulleted list of criteria identified on pages 22-23.

33. P.24 Non-Price Submission Instructions: Is the request for a completed version of the

NDA for the proposed Key Personnel only?

At the time of proposal, NDAs for all Key Personnel are required. During contract performance, NDA’s will be required for all personnel working under the contract, in accordance with the clause at section 4.1 Contractor Personnel Security in the

RFP.

34. P.9 Footnote 10 states that offerors may propose that 2 or more delivery sites located in close proximity be considered as a single delivery site under the contract when the proposed amount of coaching services is not increased by use of the multiple sites. For the economically vulnerable component, is it correct to assume that a “location” can

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

8 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

incorporate multiple “sites” that are to be staffed by one full-time equivalent person?

Will the total number of coaches employed equal 20 under any site scenario?

Yes. Services to economically vulnerable consumers happen through a more diverse body of organizations and are not consistent from state to state. Therefore, to reach the largest critical mass of economically vulnerable individuals the contract to be awarded needs to have built-in flexibility in terms of service site. We have defined at a high-level the criteria against which Offerors should use to propose a list of potential subcontractor or partner organizations that are geographically and demographically diverse. There is also openness to considering organizations that have several locally based delivery sites under the umbrella of one organization

(through which one coach would be place but could have flexibility in terms of providing services at more than one local service site location). The number of financial coaches to be utilized to achieve the stated project objectives is a matter for

Offerors to consider and propose.

35. P. 22 Factor 2 Evaluation Criteria, A: The solicitation states that we demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate and market the project to internal and external stakeholders. Yet, the SOW does not include specific requirements associated with marketing and communications. Therefore can the Government clarify the scope expected regarding communications and marketing of the program. Please clarify where the hours should be estimated, in which task areas or component should include these hours?

The Offeror may choose to conduct outreach and communications services as part of its proposed approach to facilitate this project’s success and reach target numbers. The intent is not to dedicate a large amount of resources to this effort but rather integrate the service information into marketing and communication already being employed by the host sights. All efforts and costs associated with performing the proposed marketing and communications must be built into the proposed fully-loaded labor rates under Task Area 1 and/or fully-burdened fixed unit prices under

Task Area 2, depending on an Offeror's proposed outreach and communication efforts.

36. Is it assumed that the offeror will provide a platform for all sites to pull credit reports under a master contract? Does the CFPB have preferences with regard to what credit reporting agency is used or the type of scores and reports that are used?

The Offeror may choose to provide a platform for all sites to pull credit reports under a master contract as part of its proposed approach to facilitate this project’s success. The CFPB does not have a use preference regarding credit reporting agency or type of score.

37. Economically disadvantaged consumers will be served through host organizations. Does the government anticipate that additional costs will be considered in developing the

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

9 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

implementation of the memorandum of agreements with those sites? (e.g. local facility operation costs)

No, any such costs should be built into the proposed fully-loaded labor rates under

Task Area 1.

38. P.8 Scope 3.0: Associated services might include phone consultations or electronic reminders. Can a phone consultation be considered a “visit”? If so, are there guidelines as to what the phone consultation must include to qualify as such?

Currently, the priority is on providing access to in-person coaching services.

However, we understand that coaches may need to use other tools for follow-up with their clients, or if the client is not able to come in person for an appointment.

Although this will not be the primary means of providing service, a phone consultation would be considered acceptable in those limited circumstances. There are no guidelines for phone consultation qualifications.

39. P.89 18.0, Maximum Contract Value: The maximum contract value is stated as $31M including option periods. Does the $31M ceiling include all people costs across the 90 sites as well as any other direct costs including equipment, facilities etc. for a period of 5 years?

The maximum contract value includes any and all costs that may be incurred over the potential five-year period of contract performance.

40. P.89 18.0., Maximum Contract Value: When filling the price model per Factor 5 – Price

Submission Instructions, is it expected that the ‘Total Evaluated Price (sum of extended prices for all task areas)’ be less than $31M or are these tables only included for an even price comparison amongst the bidders?

The contract ceiling value is $31 million. The IDIQ Price Model provided is being used for evaluation purposes only.

41. Are you looking for a contractor, who will receive on award, who will then hire counselor/educators to carry out your vision/outreach?

At minimum, the Offeror’s proposed Technical Approach must demonstrate the

Offeror’s ability to: Recruit, staff, train, and manage disparately located contract personnel. How solicitation requirements are to be achieved is a matter for Offerors to consider and propose.

42. Will the government consider a smaller font such as 9 or 10 font for tables and/or graphs

(as long as it is still very readable)?

Yes, information in tables and graphs may be smaller than 12 point font, but must be legible to the average reader.

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

10 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

43. Referencing Page 25, did the government mean “an outline of the contract information” vice “an outline of the contact information?” Or do you need both the contact info and the contract summary for each?

An outline of the contact information is required, as well as a summary of the relevance of each contract cited.

44. Are the key personnel resumes restricted to one-page?

No, there is no page restriction for the resume submission requirement.

45. The term Contract Manager is normally used to refer to the contracts representative in an organization and involves the ability to officially commit company resources (e.g., buy laptops). By Contract Manager, does the government intend to mean the Project

Manager who oversees the day-to-day operations, interfaces with the COR and client stakeholders as well as oversees the budget and staffing for the project?

The description for the Contract Manager role is outlined in further detail under 6.0

Key Personnel in Section III of the RFP. For the purposes of this RFP, the term

Contract Manager is used to describe the individual(s) performing those duties.

46. Resumes are discussed in the “Other Proposal Documents” section. This implies that they do not count in the 25-page tech submission. True?

Yes, there is no page restriction for the resume submission requirement.

47. P27 footnote – Missouri is listed in two different regions. What is the correct region for

Missouri? (VBA Map link shows Central alignment – please confirm.)

The correct region for Missouri is the Central region. Note that Mississippi should be included in the Southern region. This was a typographical error that has been corrected in the amended RFP.

48. Pg 27-30 – The instructions imply that all ODC’s including training and travel must be rolled into the labor rate. Is this interpretation correct?

See Answer to Question 29. See also the revised Proposal Submission Instructions.

49. Pg 30-1. The labor hour restrictions for Task 3 are severe. 120 hours/year = 3 weeks of work per year by one person for a pivotal task that will seek to inform the CFPB and other stakeholders about program progress and recommendations. What is the rationale for the government’s severe limitations for Task 3 and is any relief (higher labor hour allocation) possible?

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

11 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

The Government-estimated number of hours included in Task Areas 1 and 3 of the

IDIQ Price Model have been included for evaluation purposes only. It will create a consistent assumption on which Offerors may develop proposals and will inform the

Government's price evaluation. The Offeror shall reflect in its price proposal how they plan to allocate the stated hours among the Offeror’s proposed labor categories based on the assumption that the stated total hours will be expended.

50. Will this award be issued as a grant?

No, a procurement contract(s) will be awarded.

51. Are you requesting a contractor to be the lead of all locations or are you requesting contractors throughout the states to serve specific areas?

CFPB anticipates awarding one contract to a successful Offeror that will be responsible for all contract performance, including managing contract work at all 90 service sites. CFPB recognizes that partnerships may be required to successfully complete the work required under the RFP.

52. According to page 23 of the solicitation, the CFPB will evaluate the subcontracting plan on an acceptable/unacceptable basis. Would the CFPB please elaborate more on what qualifies as an acceptable and/or unacceptable plan (e.g. providing the suggested/minimum small business subcontracting goals, including those for woman-owned, disadvantaged, HUBZone, Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-

Owned)?

See Answer to Question 10. See RFP Section II.

53. Page 30 of the solicitation CFPB currently has Task Area 2 divided into two components, both of which are listed as Coaching for Transitioning Veterans. Could CFPB kindly confirm that Task Area 2 should be divided into Component A: Coaching for

Transitioning Veterans and Component B: Coaching for Economically Vulnerable

Populations?

Yes, Component B of Task 2 of the IDIQ Price Model should be labeled “Coaching for Economically Vulnerable Consumers”. The RFP has been amended to reflect this change.

54. If an entity is interested in providing a technology solution for this project, should they submit a proposal directly to CFPB or to interested agencies?

Proposals submitted to CFPB regarding this RFP should include all of the required elements set forth in this RFP. If an entity is interested in providing only some of the work required under the RFP, the entity should consider partnering with other

Offerors submitting a proposal.

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

12 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

55. Should partners/subcontractors on the project be included in the proposal or can they be selected after the award?

Any proposed partners and subcontractors must be included in the proposal. The term “Offeror,” is defined as the firm, any major subcontractors, and any teaming partners.

56. The RFP indicates the contractor will be responsible for recruiting, hiring, managing, etc. of the financial coaches. Should the contractor have extensive experience in providing training solutions or can the RFP response include a subcontracted training entity?

The Offeror’s proposal may include subcontracted entities. The term “Offeror,” is defined as the firm, any major subcontractors and any teaming partners.

57. Will CFPB provide data to assist the contractor in selecting the 20 consumer sites, i.e.

areas of high concentration of underserved citizens, rural areas of greatest need, etc.?

The CFPB expects the contractor to use the criteria outlined in 5.0, Place of

Performance, and any other relevant information in the materials provided to date, to develop a process to select and propose appropriate sites.

58. Would the CFPB consider a software web/mobile solution in partnership with a coaching option?

Please see the answer to Question #38.

59. Would the CFPB consider a financial account (i.e prepaid debit card) as part of the solution that enabled the more effective application of coaching?

No, coaches must not endorse or recommend specific financial products or accounts, but will coach on the functionality of them.

60. How would the CFPB evaluate either the software of financial account aspect of a combined coaching and software solution?

61. Does the CFPB currently have a case management system that they envision leveraging for this opportunity or should contractors include this in their bids? Where and how should this be accounted for in the pricing proposal?

The CFPB does not have a specific required case management system for this acquisition. At minimum, an Offeror's proposed Technical Approach must demonstrate the Offeror’s ability to "Implement systems for tracking outcomes and evaluating processes," and any corresponding costs must be built into the

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

13 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

proposed pricing for the appropriate Task Area(s).

62. Please provide more details regarding what CFPB envisions for a process evaluation?

Does CFPB want statistically significant samples?

The process evaluation (also known as implementation evaluation) is focused on examining how the project has been implemented, how it is operating, and how the services are being delivered. CFPB wants to ensure that the program is implemented as planned, is operating successfully, and is reaching the targeted consumers. A process evaluation also provides the information needed to make adjustments to the program as it moves forward, and would help the CFPB assess the reasons for successful or unsuccessful performance, and provide information for modifications to the approach (or replication), down the line. The Offeror may choose to subcontract this role.

63. Please provide more details regarding what CFPB envisions for the impact evaluation?

Is this to be an ROI for the program? How will the vendor be able to have access to individuals’ records one to two years post coaching to objectively measure the impact?

Offerors are not to include the costs of an impact evaluation in its proposed pricing.

The purpose of its mention in the solicitation was only to inform the potential vendors that the CFPB reserves the right to conduct a rigorous impact evaluation. The impact evaluation would be funded and conducted through a separate contract and would require the Contractor's cooperation. Contractor involvement would be minimal.

64. This section states “North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code and small business size standard for this acquisition appear in Block 10 of the solicitation cover sheet (SF 1449). However, the small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, but which proposes to furnish an item which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.”

This sections seems unclear – is there a small business set aside for this work? Will the government qualify offerors with less than 500 employees as a small business for this solicitation?

This RFP is not a small business set aside. The NAICS code for this RFP is 611710

Education Support Services, which has a Small Business Size Standard of $14.0 million, not 500 employees.

65. Section 2.I A. 11e Multiple Offers: May an offeror identify alternative terms for meeting the requirements within their singular bid? How will alternative terms be evaluated against other offerors?

In accordance with FAR 52.212-1, Offerors are allowed to submit multiple offers.

These offers will be evaluated separately from one another.

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

14 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

66. Factor 3 Past Performance. This section states “The assessment will be based upon information provided from entities that have received relevant services from the Offeror during or since 2008, please verify the date for past performance is truly 2008 (e.g., Past

Performances can be six years old).

Yes, this is correct.

67. Given that Key Personnel is a critical evaluation criterion, would CFPB identify key personnel other than the contract manager, so that all offerors might be evaluated consistently on this criteria?

The Offeror’s Project Management Plan must define the roles and availability of all proposed Key Personnel, including an organizational chart demonstrating all proposed management and staffing. Key Personnel are not limited to the Contract

Manager.

68. Are the hours in Task Area 1 (e.g., 2331) per year?

The hours to be used in completing the Price Model for Task Area 1 is 2,331, which is to reflect the Government's estimated required hours of performance of all work to be required under Task Area 1 over the course of 6 months.

69. Task Area 2. Are the hours listed in this table per year (e.g., Region A Eastern, 17 sites, 130 hours)?

The hours for Task Area 2 are measured by Units. One unit equals 40 hours of service per site. For each Component, the number of units is provided by the

Remaining Base Period, which is 2.5 years and for each Option Period, which are one (1) year in length.

70. Are the hours in Task Area 3 (e.g., 360) per year? Also, is the travel allocation intended to be a maximum threshold or a normalizing number to allow for standard comparison across all vendors. Given that sites have not all been specified, will ODCs such as travel be negotiated upon award?

The hours provided in Task Area 3 for the Remaining Base Period is 360 total for

2.5 years. Each Option Period includes estimated hours of 120.

See Answer to Question 29. See also revised Proposal Submission Instructions.

71. Would CFPB accept a proposal to coordinate the scope of work on a regional basis (if we wanted to coordinate for the Northeast Region of the USA)?

The CFPB intends to award one Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract as a result of this solicitation. Proposals should encompass all of the

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

15 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

potential work outlined in the RFP or will not be eligible for award. Please note that subcontracting and teaming arrangements are permitted.

72. Can Offerors apply to coordinate the work just for economically vulnerable communities and not vets?

contract as a result of this solicitation. Proposals should encompass all of the potential work outlined in the RFP or will not be eligible for award. Please note that subcontracting and teaming arrangements are permitted. If an entity is interested in providing only a portion of the work encompassed under the RFP, the entity should consider partnering with Offerors submitting a proposal.

73. The Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) identified as Attachment 2 on page 4 of the solicitation is labeled as “Attachment 3,” please confirm that this document should read

Attachment 2?

The Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) is Attachment 2 and the document has been corrected to reflect this change.

74. The veteran-focused component lists a site selection factor as “proximity to military installations.” Is the intent to provide services to active military under the program?

This project will integrate financial coaching into service delivery for Transitioning

Veterans and will not provide services to Active Duty military in Component A.

The selection criteria will include locations that will facilitate utilizing coaches who have the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) certification, or a comparable certification, and experience with the respective populations, such FINRA

Foundation Military Spouse Fellows, military retirees and veterans for the veterans component.

75. What are the specific eligibility criteria for each group (veterans and economically vulnerable) and how will they be determined? Will the Government determine eligibility, or is it a responsibility of the contractor?

While there are targeted groups, there are no eligibility criteria for either project component. See RFP SOW. Note that the target of the veteran component of the project is transitioning veterans since 9-11.

76. IT requirements listed as being provided by the offeror include, on p. 11, “internet connection.” Does the offeror need to provide the infrastructure for internet connectivity at a government location (e.g. VA Vet Center or DoL AJC) in parallel to existing government infrastructure, or will the offeror reimburse the government at fair market value for any infrastructure and data charges used?

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

16 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

The Offeror will need to provide internet connectivity at the 90 delivery sites, including those 70 provided by the Government, and any corresponding costs must be built into the proposed pricing for the appropriate Task Area(s).

Furthermore, Offerors should outline what materials it proposes to provide to contract personnel at the delivery sites to ensure they can perform work effectively.

This should include, at minimum, any information technology and other supplies necessary to their jobs effectively, such as laptops, mobile devices, internet connection, and basic office supplies. Such supplies will have to comply with all

CFPB IT and Cybersecurity standards, as outlined in this RFP.

77. Under the “DOL Americas Job Centers” bullet, transitioning veterans are referred to as

“economically vulnerable.” Are transitioning veterans to be counted as veterans, economically vulnerable, or either at the discretion of the offeror?

While transitioning veterans are considered to be an economically vulnerable population, for purposes of this RFP, they are to fall only under the Transitioning

Veterans component.

78. Given the page limitations for the Non-Price and Price Volumes, will CFPB accept a pdf of our proposal submission in addition to the Microsoft Office version to avoid potential variations in the way printers read Word files submitted electronically?

Yes, the CFPB will accept files submitted using Adobe PDF.

79. Will CFPB provide specific weights for the evaluation Factors 1-5?

No, specific weights of each evaluation factor will not be provided, but the relative weights are provided in the RFP. As stated in the RFP, proposals will be evaluated based on price as well as four non-price evaluation factors, which are listed in descending order of importance: Offeror and Key Personnel Expertise, Technical

Approach and Project Management Plan, Past Performance, and Small Business

Subcontracting Plan (applicable only to large businesses). Price will be evaluated separately for price reasonableness. The non-price factors, when combined, are considered significantly more important than price.

80. Will the additional subordinate small business category goals (Small Disadvantaged, Women-Owned Small Business, etc.) also constitute a pass/fail measure?

No, each will not serve as a separate measure, but the extent of participation by such small business subgroups will be considered in the Government's determination of small business subcontracting plan acceptability.

81. Please clarify the following instructions pertaining to submission of past performance contact information: “Offeror shall provide an outline of the contact information for each of the sources that will be provided a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ), to

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

17 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

include a description of the services provided. This document must be one (1) page total.” “Furthermore, the Offeror shall submit to CFPB a one-page document outlining the contact information for each of the sources that will be provided a Past Performance

Questionnaire (PPQ), to include a description of the services provided.” Is our assumption correct that the Government is requesting submission of a page for each source—i.e., 5 pages for 5 sources? Alternatively, is the Government limiting the document to a single page containing all source information (up to 5 total past performance references)?

Offerors are required to submit a single page document outlining the contact information for each of the sources that will be provided a Past Performance

Questionnaire (PPQ), to include a description of the services provided. This one-page document must include the information for all five sources.

82. Considering the length of time required to process an FBI fingerprint background check, would CFPB consider permitting personnel to begin work prior to completion of a fingerprint background check, provided the personnel have completed criminal history background check of name and social security number related to the locations where the candidate previously worked or lived?

In order to receive an Entry on Duty (EOD) to begin work, the applicable personnel must at minimum provide the government completed fingerprint cards, a signed copy of the Non-disclosure Agreement and a signed copy of the Fair Credit

Reporting Act Release. If the contractor is performing work for more than three months, the Contractor will then be contacted after receiving an EOD from CFPB to complete the SF 85-P, “Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions”.

83. Does CFPB intend to charge the contractor for the cost of the fingerprint check if performed by CFPB?

CFPB provides the fingerprint card check at no additional cost to the Contractor.

84. Will CFPB accept the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) certification process as equivalent to the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning

Education (AFCPE) certification process?

Please see the answer to Question #23.

85. The reporting requirements in Task Area 3 appear to overlap, and in instances duplicate, the reporting requirements in Task Area 2, particularly parts 6 and 7 of Task Area 2. In light of the restricted number of hours allowed in pricing for Task Area 3, how will the contractor determine in which Task Area pricing CFPB is requesting reports?

Please see the answer to Question #13.

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

18 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

86. Are reports in Task Area 3 more complex than reports in Task Area 2 and therefore require the contractor to assume a higher skill set in the pricing of Task Area 3 v. Task

Area 2?

Please see the answer to Question #13.

87. Section 6.f. speaks to capacity to accommodate the potential inclusion of an impact evaluation beginning “two to three years into the project.” The stated timeframe covers multiple sections in the IDIQ pricing model. If the program implemented in Year 2, pricing for effort would start in Remaining Base Period and follow-on option periods. If impact reporting starts in Year 3, pricing would be in only the follow-on option period.

Will CFPB refine the estimated start date of the impact reporting to allow consistent pricing in proposal?

See Answer to Question #63.

88. Can the application be submitted as a PDF?

Yes, the CFPB will accept files submitted using Adobe PDF.

89. Will the CFPB allow counselors to be certified through the National Foundation for

Credit Counseling, the consumer credit counseling industry standard, or do coaches have to be certified through the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning

Education?

90. Do the addresses of the 20 sites for the economically vulnerable need to be specified in the application or will a general location (i.e., Chicago, IL) be acceptable?

If the Offeror chooses to submit locations as part of their approach, the general location of the proposed site is acceptable.

91. The RFP seems to indicate that services are to be provided on-site exclusively. In our experience, most consumers seem to want services online and via the telephone. Will applications which leverage in-person, phone, and online delivery channels, at the consumer’s option, be accepted, or should all services be provided on-site only?

92. Will not being classified as a small business entity impact our response’s chance for success?

This is an unrestricted full and open acquisition available to all vendors. Note, however, this RFP includes the price evaluation preference contained in FAR

52.219-4, which will be applied to the Total Evaluated Price proposed by each

Integrating Financial Coaching into Service Delivery for Transitioning Veterans & Economically Vulnerable Consumers

19 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, 1700 G STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20552

Offeror that is not a HUBZone small business concern or otherwise successful small business concern.

93. Will the CFPB consider establishing a set of criteria that all financial coaches must meet before being assigned to this project or will each financial coach need to be approved individually?

94. Could we include incentives or prerequisites to encourage the targeted clients’ participation in all four coaching sessions?

The Offeror may choose to include incentives as part of their technical approach, however, the CFPB reserves the right to disapprove any incentives after the contract has been awarded. Further, any costs associated with such incentives must be built into the proposed pricing for Task Area 2 as well as noted separately in the

Price Volume in the event such incentives are disapproved and a corresponding adjustment to Task Area 2 fixed prices are appropriate.

95. Can we submit a proposal response for Task Area 2 alone to implement the program locally at 1 site? If not, will there be an RFP process in the coming months to become a host site?

See Answer to Question #72. Note that the Contractor will be responsible for project implementation, including implementation activities at twenty (20) service sites targeted at the economically vulnerable population, and the Contractor's information will be posted on www.fbo.gov upon award.

96. Would a private non-profit organization be eligible or is this proposal only for government funded Veterans agencies?

Because this RFP has been issued on a Full and Open Competition basis, all organizations are eligible to submit a proposal.

97. Is there only going to be 1 award for $1m or will they maybe provide several?

CFPB intends to make one award, but reserves the right to make multiple awards or none. The Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract to be issued includes a guaranteed minimum contract value of $1,000.00 and a maximum value of $ 31 million.

98. Do you see an opportunity for a small organization to receive part of this award or are you targeting larger organizations that can cover a lot of territory?

This acquisition has been issued on a Full and Open Competition basis and therefore all capable entities are allowed to…